I can live with the early losses. I know it's early.

That said, the fact that the team continues to start SO SLOWLY is a repeat theme from the end of last year.

It cost them games last year and it's going to cost them now. Peter Laviolette needs to find an answer to that because, frankly, I wonder if Holmgren doesn't have Lavvy on a short leash, given that John Paddock is now on the coaching staff and Terry Murray is lurking in Adirondack.

I'm not advocating that Laviolette should be fired. I like Lavvy, but the fact is, this team has exhibited some pretty negative patterns extending back to last year that still seem to be apparent through the first two games of the season.

you should probably read the whole blog before you reply. the blog focuses on the conditioning and execution of the team as the major problems.
- flyers420

I did read it bro.

He did lean on back to backers as an excuse in his blog , I can copy/paste it if you wish? But I understand your point.

I feel L Schenn has played better than what's being said about him after these two games.
- SeaIslelandLush

L Schenn is going to have an up and down season. He is on a new team with a new system and a new partner. He is going to make a lot of mistakes as most young defensemen do. Some people want PK Subban in a trade, but wait til you see some of the huge mistakes he makes. Most defensmen struggle with consistency for many years, with some longer than others.

Don't get discouraged this is a work in progress and the Flyers are a great young team. Holmgren is the most proactive GM in the league. They might experience some fall back from last year because of their blue line, but this is a very good team missing a few key pieces. Holmgren will fix it. Tried with Weber, he will pull something out of the hat.

If there is any positive, Rangers will pancake. They might sneak into the playoffs but the Nash trade will make them more like Columbus than a serious contender.
- spatso

How is the Nash trade going to make them more like Columbus? It's going to take away their sound defense and elite goaltending? The Rangers are a very strong team and a Cup favorite. Adding Nash only makes them better.

I did read it bro.

He did lean on back to backers as an excuse in his blog , I can copy/paste it if you wish? But I understand your point.
- BuffaloHardHat

is back to back an issue for every team? absolutely. But when your team fails miserably at the fundamentals you can't really use that as an excuse. You made it seem like that was what the whole blog was about. Not the case.

Homer needs to address the D in the next couple drafts...tired of the the best player available crap

L Schenn is going to have an up and down season. He is on a new team with a new system and a new partner. He is going to make a lot of mistakes as most young defensemen do. Some people want PK Subban in a trade, but wait til you see some of the huge mistakes he makes. Most defensmen struggle with consistency for many years, with some longer than others.
- psuhockey

I like what I see from Luke Schenn. He has some areas where he needs to improve. But he has a chance to be a real good player.

Prediction: They head into Florida trip with a 1-2-1 record. For whatever reason, my gut feeling is a solid win in NJ and a shootout loss to the Rangers.
- bmeltzer

After playing the Flyers and Rangers this weekend I would say the Flyers should beat the Rangers. The score last night could've been 10-3

is back to back an issue for every team? absolutely. But when your team fails miserably at the fundamentals you can't really use that as an excuse. You made it seem like that was what the whole blog was about. Not the case.
- flyers420

In any case, I like Laughton

How is the Nash trade going to make them more like Columbus? It's going to take away their sound defense and elite goaltending? The Rangers are a very strong team and a Cup favorite. Adding Nash only makes them better.
- MJL

That is the consensus opinion. I believe that Tortarella has a very short shelf life. He does real good to get his guys to buy into an all for one and an over the top team first approach that relies heavily on rolling four lines and great special teams. But players tire of the constant pressure and when it begins to wear on them it gets stressful real quick.

This current Ranger team might be more skilled. But they are not nearly as strong as their press releases keep telling us they are.

Simmonds has been great.
Unlucky not to have a goal or three so far.
If he buries his chances they could be 2-0.
Goals will come.

Also very encouraged by Mezzy's play so far and the goalie.

Don't worry yet.
They will be fine.

Homer needs to address the D in the next couple drafts...tired of the the best player available crap
- vejim

I agree they definitely need to draft defensemen but they also need someone with high end tools and most importanty offensive hockey sense to play with Giroux. I hope B.Schenn can grow into the role, but you can see the difference between how Jagr And Giroux worked together and how it's working with Schenn.

Simmonds has been great.
Unlucky not to have a goal or three so far.
If he buries his chances they could be 2-0.
Goals will come.

Also very encouraged by Mezzy's play so far and the goalie.

Don't worry yet.
They will be fine.
- Marc D

would love to see the flyers score 6 goals here on sat

After playing the Flyers and Rangers this weekend I would say the Flyers should beat the Rangers. The score last night could've been 10-3
- lloyd095

People don"t understand the full impact of the elimination of inter conference play. I think the Penguins will play the other teams in their Division real tough.

I agree they definitely need to draft defensemen but they also need someone with high end tools and most importanty offensive hockey sense to play with Giroux. I hope B.Schenn can grow into the role, but you can see the difference between how Jagr And Giroux worked together and how it's working with Schenn.
- psuhockey

both Schenns need to pick it up... Murray was on Schenn at the Phantoms

That is the consensus opinion. I believe that Tortarella has a very short shelf life. He does real good to get his guys to buy into an all for one and an over the top team first approach that relies heavily on rolling four lines and great special teams. But players tire of the constant pressure and when it begins to wear on them it gets stressful real quick.

This current Ranger team might be more skilled. But they are not nearly as strong as their press releases keep telling us they are.
- spatso

So your entire basis for the Ranger demise is that Tortorella has a short shelf life? That's true for every Coach. The Rangers are very strong. And will be in the mix.

People don"t understand the full impact of the elimination of inter conference play. I think the Penguins will play the other teams in their Division real tough.
- spatso

Everyone who is a fan realizes the schedule is different and how that is going to affect the standings.

People don"t understand the full impact of the elimination of inter conference play. I think the Penguins will play the other teams in their Division real tough.
- spatso

wow...Pitts goes 46-0

Does anyone know what happened to Rinaldo? I saw him collide with Regehr I believe in the corner, they said he limped off the ice and then he never came back. No replay from NBC. Is he out long term?

So your entire basis for the Ranger demise is that Tortorella has a short shelf life? That's true for every Coach. The Rangers are very strong. And will be in the mix.
- MJL

I think the Rangers make the playoffs. I do not think they run away with the East as some people suggest. I do not think they will do all that well in head to head play within the Division and they will fall a long way off the pace set by the Pens.

Everyone who is a fan realizes the schedule is different and how that is going to affect the standings.
- MJL

Now your being silly. Ek projected that all 5 Atlantic team will make the playoffs this year. It is a near statistical improbability because of the impact on the Divisional play on final outcpomes. Obviously not everyone understands the full impact of how the standings will be affected.

I think the Rangers make the playoffs. I do not think they run away with the East as some people suggest. I do not think they will do all that well in head to head play within the Division and they will fall a long way off the pace set by the Pens.
- spatso

I haven't read anyone say they will run away with the east. So I don't know what you're talking about there. It's a 48 game schedule heavy on divisional play. The standing will be tight. The Pens and Rangers are very good teams, and both are in the mix.

both Schenns need to pick it up... Murray was on Schenn at the Phantoms
- vejim

After watching Schenn in Toronto you guys are going to hate the way he plays. He is a turnover machine. No clue why Philly fans were so happy to get him he is a bum.

Now your being silly. Ek projected that all 5 Atlantic team will make the playoffs this year. It is a near statistical improbability because of the impact on the Divisional play on final outcpomes. Obviously not everyone understands the full impact of how the standings will be affected.
- spatso

There's nothing silly there. I didn't say a word about Ek. He's one person. I mentioned the fans.

After watching Schenn in Toronto you guys are going to hate the way he plays. He is a turnover machine. No clue why Philly fans were so happy to get him he is a bum.
- nbartley9

He doesn't turn the puck over anymore then any other young defenseman of his style of play. In fact he turns it over a lot less then a lot of other young defenseman. But he doesn't handle the puck as much as a lot of offensive minded young defenseman do.